Alpine Wellness Escape: Yoga and Hiking Retreat in the French Alps

The retreat takes place in Le Bessey, a small alpine village near the better-known resorts of Oz en Oisans and Alpe d'Huez. The accommodation is a traditional chalet with a large yoga deck, a Yoga Shala (a dedicated practice space), and a lounge with a fireplace. You're surrounded by forest and within an eight-minute walk of a waterfall, which the host suggests as a perfect spot for meditation. The village is quiet, but the nearest supermarket is only ten minutes away on foot, and Grenoble is about an hour's drive.

Yoga is taught by Xander, a RYT 200 registered teacher with experience in Hatha, Yin, and Ashtanga for beginners and intermediates. He is also a local hike guide, so he knows the trails within a 50-100km radius. The program includes two yoga sessions each day—typically a dynamic practice in the morning and a slower, yin or restorative session in the evening. Meditation and pranayama are woven into the daily schedule, and there's a guided hike each day, often to a secluded nature spot where you'll practice and meditate.

What makes this retreat stand out is the balance between structure and freedom. You're not tied to a rigid itinerary. The host encourages you to join all sessions, but also to take time for yourself if that's what you need—whether it's a solo trek to the waterfall, a visit to the local village, or simply a nap in the sun. Winter months offer the option to swap hiking boots for skis or a snowboard, with rental equipment available on request, though the retreat itself remains focused on yoga and mindfulness.

The retreat is organized with care for the environment—the host emphasizes 'leave no trace' on hikes. Small group sizes ensure you get personalized alignment adjustments and the space to ask questions. By the end of the week, you'll have a deeper understanding of yoga practice and a renewed sense of calm that comes from spending real time in nature.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation - 1 breakfast meal per day (vegetarian) - Water, tea, coffee available - Daily yoga classes (2 per day) - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Group excursions and activities - Hikes to nature - 1-to-1 sessions - Luggage storage - Parking - WiFi connection - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Welcome drink - Professional event photos

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments - Extra night stays - Lunches and dinners (except breakfast)